The relationship between compartment models and their stochastic counterparts:A comparative study with examples of the COVID-19 epidemic modeling

Deterministic compartment models(CMs)and stochastic models,including stochastic CMs and agent-based models,are widely utilized in epidemic modeling.However,the relationship between CMs and their corresponding stochastic models is not well understood.The present study aimed to address this gap by conducting a comparative study using the susceptible,exposed,infectious,and recovered(SEIR)model and its extended CMs from the coronavirus disease 2019 modeling literature.We demonstrated the equivalence of the numerical solution of CMs using the Euler scheme and their stochastic counterparts through theoretical analysis and simulations.Based on this equivalence,we proposed an efficient model calibration method that could replicate the exact solution of CMs in the corresponding stochastic models through parameter adjustment.The advancement in calibration techniques enhanced the accuracy of stochastic modeling in capturing the dynamics of epidemics.However,it should be noted that discrete-time stochastic models cannot perfectly reproduce the exact solution of continuous-time CMs.Additionally,we proposed a new stochastic compartment and agent mixed model as an alternative to agent-based models for large-scale population simulations with a limited number of agents.This model offered a balance between computational efficiency and accuracy.The results of this research contributed to the comparison and unification of deterministic CMs and stochastic models in epidemic modeling.Furthermore,the results had implications for the development of hybrid models that integrated the strengths of both frameworks.Overall,the present study has provided valuable epidemic modeling techniques and their practical applications for understanding and controlling the spread of infectious diseases.

Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty vs high tibial osteotomy for knee osteoarthritis:A comparison of clinical and radiological outcomes

BACKGROUND Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty(UKA)and high tibial osteotomy(HTO)are well-established operative interventions in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis.However,which intervention is more beneficial to patients with knee osteoarthritis remains unknown and a topic of much debate.Simultaneously,there is a paucity of research assessing the relationship between radiographic parameters of knee joint alignment and patient-reported clinical outcomes,preoperatively and following HTO or UKA.AIM To compare UKAs and HTOs as interventions for medial-compartment knee osteoarthritis:Examining differences in clinical outcome and investigating the relationship of joint alignment with respect to this.METHODS This longitudinal observational study assessed a total of 42 patients that had undergone UKA(n=23)and HTO(n=19)to treat medial compartment knee osteoarthritis.Patient-reported outcome measures(PROMs)were collected to evaluate clinical outcome.These included two disease-specific(Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score,Oxford Knee Score)and two generic(EQ-5D-5L,Short Form-12)PROMs.The radiographic parameters of knee alignment assessed were the:Hip-knee-ankle angle,mechanical axis deviation and angle of Mikulicz line.RESULTS Statistical analyses demonstrated significant(P<0.001),preoperative to postoperative,improvements in the PROM scores of both groups.There were,however,no significant inter-group differences in the postoperative PROM scores of the UKA and HTO group.Several significant correlations associated a more distolaterally angled Mikulicz line with worse knee function and overall health preoperatively(P<0.05).Postoperatively,two clusters of significant correlations were observed between the disease-specific PROM scores and knee joint alignment parameters(hip-knee-ankle angle,mechanical axis deviation)within the HTO group;yet no such associations were observed within the UKA group.CONCLUSION UKAs and HTOs are both efficacious operations that provide a comparable degree of clinical benefit to patients with medial compartment knee osteoarthritis.Clinical outcome has a limited association with radiographic parameters of knee joint alignment postoperatively;however,a more distolaterally angled Mikulicz line appears associated with worse knee function/health-related quality of life preoperatively.

Spatial compartmentalization and temporal stability of associated microbiota in Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas

The Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas,one of the most exploited molluscs in the world,has suffered from massive mortality in recent decades,and the occurrence mechanisms have not been well characterized.In this study,to reveal the relationship of associated microbiota to the fitness of oysters,temporal dynamics of microbiota in the gill,hemolymph,and hepatopancreas of C.gigas during April 2018-January 2019 were investigated by 16 S rRNA gene sequencing.The microbiota in C.gigas exhibited tissue heterogeneity,of which Spirochaetaceae was dominant in the gill and hemolymph while Mycoplasmataceae enriched in the hepatopancreas.Co-occurrence network demonstrated that the gill microbiota exhibited higher inter-taxon connectivity while the hemolymph microbiota had more modules.The richness(Chao 1 index)and diversity(Shannon index)of microbial community in each tissue showed no significant seasonal variations,except for the hepatopancreas having a higher richness in the autumn.Similarly,beta diversity analysis indicated a relatively stable microbiota in each tissue during the sampling period,showing relative abundance of the dominant taxa exhibiting temporal dynamics.Results indicate that the microbial community in C.gigas showed a tissue-specific stability with temporal dynamics in the composition,which might be essential for the tissue functioning and environmental adaption in oysters.This work provides a baseline microbiota in C.gigas and is helpful for the understanding of host-microbiota interaction in oysters.

Anatomic location of the first dorsal extensor compartment for surgical De-Quervain’s tenosynovitis release:A cadaveric study

BACKGROUND De-Quervain’s tenosynovitis is a disorder arising from the compression and irritation of the first dorsal extensor compartment of the wrist.Patients who fail conservative treatment modalities are candidates for surgical release.However,risks with surgery include damage to the superficial radial nerve and an incomplete release due to inadequate dissection.Currently,there is a paucity of literature demonstrating the exact anatomic location of the first dorsal extensor compartment in reference to surface anatomy.Thus,this cadaveric study was performed to determine the exact location of the first extensor compartment and to devise a reliable surgical incision to prevent complications.AIM To describe the location of the first dorsal compartment in relation to bony surface landmarks to create replicable surgical incisions.METHODS Six cadaveric forearms,including four left and two right forearm specimens were dissected.Dissections were performed by a single fellowship trained upper extremity orthopaedic surgeon.Distance of the first dorsal compartment from landmarks such as Lister’s tubercle,the wrist crease,and the radial styloid were calculated.Other variables studied included the presence of the superficial radial nerve overlying the first dorsal compartment,additional compartment subsheaths,number of abductor pollicis longus(APL)tendon slips,and the presence of a pseudo-retinaculum.RESULTS Distance from the radial most aspect of the wrist crease to the extensor retinaculum was 5.14 mm±0.80 mm.The distance from Lister’s tubercle to the distal aspect of the extensor retinaculum was 13.37 mm±2.94 mm.Lister’s tubercle to the start of the first dorsal compartment was 18.43 mm±2.01 mm.The radial styloid to the initial aspect of the extensor retinaculum measured 2.98 mm±0.99 mm.The retinaculum length longitudinally on average was 26.82 mm±3.34 mm.Four cadaveric forearms had separate extensor pollicis brevis compartments.The average number of APL tendon slips was three.A pseudo-retinaculum was present in four cadavers.Two cadavers had a superficial radial nerve that crossed over the first dorsal compartment and retinaculum proximally(7.03 mm and 13.36 mm).CONCLUSION An incision that measures 3 mm proximal from the radial styloid,2 cm radial from Lister’s tubercle,and 5 mm proximal from the radial wrist crease will safely place surgeons at the first dorsal compartment.

Isolated lateral leg compartment syndrome:A case report

BACKGROUND Acute leg compartment syndrome is a well-known orthopedic emergency associated with potentially devastating consequences if not treated immediately.Multiple compartments are usually involved with a clear history of trauma and classic symptoms and signs.However,isolated lateral leg compartment syndrome is relatively rare and is often misdiagnosed due to the atypical presentation of no trauma and the lack of pathognomonic signs.CASE SUMMARY A 31-year-old male patient presented to our emergency room with excruciating left calf pain and inability to mobilize one-day after participating in a football match despite no clear history of preceding trauma.The patient went to another hospital before presenting to us where he was diagnosed to have a soft tissue injury and was discharged home on simple analgesics.On clinical examination,the left leg showed a tense lateral compartment with severe tenderness.The pain was aggravated by dorsiflexion and ankle inversion.Neurovascular examination of the limb was normal.We suspected a compartment syndrome but as the presentation was atypical and an magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)was readily available in our institution,we immediately performed an MRI and this confirmed a large hematoma in the lateral compartment with a possible partial proximal peroneus longus muscle tear.The patient was taken immediately for an emergency open fasciotomy.The patient is now 18 mo postoperatively having recovered completely and engages fully in sports with no restrictions.CONCLUSION Atypical presentation due to the lack of pathognomonic signs makes the diagnosis of isolated lateral leg compartment syndrome difficult.Pain on passive inversion and dorsiflexion and weak active eversion may be suggested as sensitive signs.

Gouty tenosynovitis with compartment syndrome in the hand: A case report

BACKGROUND Gout is a common type of inflammatory arthritis caused by the deposition of monosodium urate crystals in the joints and surrounding tissues.It typically appears with abrupt and intense pain,redness,and swelling in the affected joint.It frequently targets the lower extremities,such as the big toe.However,rarely,gout can manifest in atypical locations,including the hands,leading to an uncommon presentation known as gouty tenosynovitis.However,it can result in significant morbidity owing to the potential for severe complications,such as myonecrosis and compartment syndrome.CASE SUMMARY An 82-year-old male patient with a history of hypertension,cerebral infarction,Parkinson's disease,and recurrent gout attacks sought medical attention because of progressive pain and swelling in the right hand.Imaging findings revealed forearm swelling,raising concerns of possible tenosynovitis,bursitis,septic arthritis,and compartment syndrome.A fasciotomy was performed to decompress the patient’s hands and forearms.The procedure revealed diffuse tenosynovitis,tophi with a pus-like discharge surrounding the carpal tunnel,and involvement of the flexor and extensor tendon sheaths.However,microbiological investigations,including Gram staining,acid-fast bacilli,tuberculosis,and nontuberculous mycobacteria,yielded negative results.The patient was ultimately diagnosed with a severe gouty attack with compartment syndrome and myonecrosis.Septic arthritis and infectious flexor tenosynovitis were ruled out.Serial debridement and inflammation control were initiated,followed by staged closure with a skin graft.CONCLUSION Septic-like complications can occur in the absence of infection in severe gout attacks with pus-like discharges due to compartment syndrome and myonecrosis.Cultures can be used to differentiate between gouty attacks,septic arthritis,and infectious tenosynovitis.Involvement of the flexor and extensor muscles,as in this case,is rare.This study contributes to the literature by reporting a rare case of successful fasciotomy and serial debridement in an elderly patient with multiple comorbidities.

Surgical decompression for the management of abdominal compartment syndrome with severe acute pancreatitis: A narrative review

Intra-abdominal hypertension(IAH)and abdominal compartment syndrome(ACS)play a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of severe acute pancreatitis(SAP)and contribute to new-onset and persistent organ failure.The optimal management of ACS involves a multi-disciplinary approach,from its early recognition to measures aiming at an urgent reduction of intra-abdominal pressure(IAP).A targeted literature search from January 1,2000,to November 30,2022,revealed 20 studies and data was analyzed on the type and country of the study,patient demographics,IAP,type and timing of surgical procedure performed,post-operative wound management,and outcomes of patients with ACS.There was no randomized controlled trial published on the topic.Decom-pressive laparotomy is effective in rapidly reducing IAP(standardized mean difference=2.68,95%confidence interval:1.19-1.47,P<0.001;4 studies).The morbidity and complications of an open abdomen after decompressive laparotomy should be weighed against the inadequately treated but,potentially lethal ACS.Disease-specific patient selection and the role of less-invasive decompressive measures,like subcutaneous linea alba fasciotomy or component separation techniques,is lacking in the 2013 consensus management guidelines by the Abdominal Compartment Society on IAH and ACS.This narrative review focuses on the current evidence regarding surgical decompression techniques for managing ACS in patients with SAP.However,there is a lack of high-quality evidence on patient selection,timing,and modality of surgical decompression.Large prospective trials are needed to identify triggers and effective and safe surgical decompression methods in SAP patients with ACS.

Green manuring facilitates bacterial community dispersal across different compartments of subsequent tobacco

Green manure–crop rotation is a sustainable approach to protect crops against diseases and improve yield.However,the mechanism by which green manuring manipulates the crop-associated microbial community remains to be elucidated.In this study,we explored the horizontal processes of bacterial communities in different compartments of the soil–root interface(bulk soil,rhizosphere soil,rhizoplane and endosphere)of tobacco by performing a field experiment including four rotation practices,namely,tobacco rotated with smooth vetch,ryegrass,radish,and winter fallow(without green manure).Results showed that the co-occurrence networks constructed by adjacent compartments of the soil–root interface with green manuring had more edges than without green manuring,indicating dramatic microbial interactions.Green manuring increased the dispersal-niche continuum index between bulk soil and other compartments,indicating that it facilitated the horizontal dispersal of microbes.For the different green manuring practices,the neutral community model explained 24.6–27.6%of detection frequency for bacteria,and at least one compartment under each practice had a normalized stochasticity ratio higher than the 50%boundary point,suggesting that the deterministic and stochastic processes jointly shaped the tobacco microbiome.In conclusion,green manuring generally facilitates bacterial community dispersal across different compartments and enhances potential interactions among adjacent compartments.This study provides empirical evidence for understanding the microbiome assembly under green manure–crop rotation.

Finger compartment syndrome due to a high-pressure washer injury:A case report

BACKGROUND Although the finger compartment syndrome is not common,it compresses the neurovascular bundles in a limited space and blocks blood flow to the fingers,causing necrosis of the fingertips.Finger fasciotomy through unilateral or bilateral midline release of the finger can achieve decompression of the finger compartment.Herein,we report a case of the compartment syndrome in a finger injury caused by a high-pressure water flow which is commonly used in car washing stations.CASE SUMMARY A 60-year-old man injured his right middle finger while using a high-pressure washer at a car washing station.The patient complained of severe pain in his middle finger and a 0.2 cm punctured open wound on the volar side of the distal phalangeal joint of the middle finger.The fingertip was pale,numb,and characterized by severe swelling and a limited range of motion.Finger radiography showed that there was no fracture in the finger.Digital decompression was performed through finger fasciotomy by bilateral midline incision.On the second day after surgery,the color of the fingertip returned to pink,swelling was resolved,and the range of motion returned to normal.The sensation of the fingertip was completely restored,and the capillary refill test and pinprick test were positive.CONCLUSION The fingertip compartment syndrome can be caused by a high-pressure water flow damage to the fingers when using high-pressure washers at a car washing station.To avoid finger necrosis,rapid diagnosis of the finger compartment syndrome and appropriate digital decompression are essential to better outcome.

Nursing outcomes of traditional Chinese medicine adjunctive therapy on osteofascial compartment syndrome:a review

The rate of disability due to acute osteofascial compartment syndrome(OCS)is high,and the therapeutic effect of decompressive fasciotomy is not ideal.This paper retrospectively reviews the modern treatment of OCS,including Western medicine and Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),mainly in the context of the advantages of TCM in the treatment process of decompressive fasciotomy or conservative treatment to the patients who are suffering from OCS.It was found that TCM treatment reduced the levels of serum creatine kinase(CK),lactate dehydrogenase(LDH),and aspartate aminotransferase(AST);it is beneficial to the elimination of swelling and pain.TCM adjunctive therapy promotes patients’postoperative functional recovery and decreases the occurrence of fasciotomy in patients;TCM can relieve tissue hypoxia of compartments and prevent necrosis of muscle and nerve tissue.TCM treatment improves the quality of medical service and ensures the safety of OCS patients.This paper aims to summarize the function of TCM in the treatment of OCS,provide reference for the clinical treatment of OCS,and improve the nursing/medical outcomes of OCS.

Expression of Recombinant Tryptophan Decarboxylase in Different Subcellular Compartments in Tobacco Plant

The gene encoded for tryptophan decarboxylase (TDC), which is the key enzyme in terpenoil indole alkaloids pathway, was targeted to different subcellular compartments and stably expressed in transgenic tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) plants at the levels detected by Western blot and tryptamine accumulation analysis. It was shown that the TDC was located in subcellular compartments, the chloroplasts and cytosol. The recombinant TDC targeted to chloroplasts and cytosol in tobacco plants was effectively expressed as soluble protein by Western blot analysis and enzymatic assay. The level of tryptamine accumulation in chloroplast was higher than that in cytosol and very low in vacuole and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to be hardly detected by Western blot analysis. It was indicated that the highest amount of tryptamine was in chloroplasts, lower in endoplasmic reticula and the lowest in vacuoles as compared to those in wild type plants. The TDC targeted to different subcellular compartments of tobacco plants and its expression level were studied by different nucleotide sequences coding signal peptides at 5'-end of tdc gene in order to know the effects of the TDC in compartmentation on its functionality.

Functional outcome of tibial fracture with acute compartment syndrome and correlation to deep posterior compartment pressure

AIM To measure single baseline deep posterior compartment pressure in tibial fracture complicated by acute compartment syndrome(ACS) and to correlate it with functional outcome.METHODS Thirty-two tibial fractures with ACS were evaluated clinically and the deep posterior compartment pressure was measured. Urgent fasciotomy was needed in 30 patients. Definite surgical fixation was performed either primarily or once fasciotomy wound was healthy. The patients were followed up at 3 mo, 6 mo and one year. At one year, the functional outcome [lower extremity functional scale(LEFS)] and complications were assessed.RESULTS Three limbs were amputated. In remaining 29 patients, the average times for clinical and radiological union were 25.2 ± 10.9 wk(10 to 54 wk) and 23.8 ± 9.2 wk(12 to 52 wk) respectively. Nine patients had delayed union and 2 had nonunion who needed bone grafting to augment healing. Most common complaint at follow up was ankle stiffness(76%) that caused difficulty in walking,running and squatting. Of 21 patients who had paralysis at diagnosis, 13(62%) did not recover and additional five patients developed paralysis at follow-up. On LEFS evaluation, there were 14 patients(48.3%) with severe disability, 10 patients(34.5%) with moderate disability and 5 patients(17.2%) with minimal disability. The mean pressures in patients with minimal disability, moderate disability and severe disability were 37.8, 48.4 and 58.79 mmH g respectively(P < 0.001).CONCLUSION ACS in tibial fractures causes severe functional disability in majority of patients. These patients are prone for delayed union and nonunion; however, long term disability is mainly because of severe soft tissue contracture. Intracompartmental pressure(ICP) correlates with functional disability; patients with relatively high ICP are prone for poor functional outcome.

PERTURBATION SOLUTION FOR COMPARTMENT MODEL OF VARIABLE EXTRACELLULAR VOLUME

The two compartment model with variable extracellular volume is presented and solved by using both perturbation and analytical method. The computation for both creatinine and urea show that the perturbation solution is not only simple but also accurate enough and is a good substitute for the more exact analytical solution.

Expression of Strictosidine Synthase in Selected Subcellular Compartments of Tobacco Plant

Strictosidine synthase (STR) is a key enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of terpenoid indole alkaloids (TIA) by condensing tryptamine and secologanin into strictosidine. The transgenic tobacco plants targeting STR to subcellular compartments were established to express STR in chloroplast, vacuole and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) by the tobacco stable transformation. It was shown that STR was effectively expressed in the above subcellular compartments by Western blot analysis and STR enzymatic assay. In vitro , STR enzymatic assay was measured indirectly by fluorimetrically detecting depletion of tryptamine feeding on secologanin in the reaction mixture. The tryptamine were completely depleted by STR in the crude extract of leaves of transgenic tobacco plants targeting and expressing STR in the chloroplast, vacuole and ER, which ascertained the STR functionally targeted to the three subcellular compartments. To confirm STR correct targeting and expressing in chloroplast, the chloroplasts were isolated and the fractions of purified chloroplasts were analyzed by Western blot. The hypothesis of STR correct targeting to the chloroplast was tested. The results have implications on our understanding of the complex intracellular trafficking in metabolic intermediates of TIA biosynthesis.

Endoscopic fasciotomy for chronic exertional compartment syndrome of the forearm:Systematic review of outcomes and complications

BACKGROUND Endoscopic fasciotomy of the forearm for chronic exertional compartment syndrome(CECS)has gained popularity recently.AIM To systematically review the literature of endoscopic fasciotomy for CECS of the forearm,aiming to assess the outcomes and complications of the different endoscopic fasciotomy techniques described in the literature.METHODS On January 18,2021,PubMed and EMBASE were searched by 3 reviewers independently,and all relevant studies published up to that date were considered based on predetermined inclusion/exclusion criteria.The subject headings“endoscopic fasciotomy”and“compartment syndrome”and their related key terms were used.The Preferred Reporting Item for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement was used to screen the articles.RESULTS A total of seven studies including 183 patients(355 forearms)were included.The mean age of the patients was 31.2 years(range:15-42 years).The postoperative follow-up duration ranged from 6 wk to 4.9 years.All patients were able to return to sport activities between postoperative weeks 1 to 8.Recurrence of the compartment syndrome occurred in three patients,giving a rate of 1.6%per patient and 0.8%per forearm.The overall complication rate was 8.7%per patient,and 4.5%per forearm.The most common reported complication was hematoma(7 forearms;2.0%).CONCLUSION Endoscopic fasciotomy for CECS of the forearm has favorable short-and midterm outcomes with very low recurrence and complication rates.This,however,needs to be confirmed in larger,long-term follow-up,prospective,comparative studies between open,mini-open and endoscopic fasciotomy techniques.

Atraumatic Acute Compartment Syndrome in Isolated Medial Compartment of Foot, A Rare Case Report

Acute compartment syndrome usually occurs after a traumatic event, typically in association with a fracture, but also from a soft tissue injury such as a direct blow or crush. Acute, isolated, medial compartment syndrome of the foot without a specific major trauma is very rare. I am reporting a rare case with acute compartment syndrome for isolated medial compartment of foot after a traumatic sport event and proper management to prevent long term sequels.

Abdominal compartment syndrome in patients with severe acute pancreatitis in early stage

AIM: To study retrospectively the influence of intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) and abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) in patients with early acute pancreatitis (AP) (during the first week after admission) on physiological functions, and the association of the presence of IAH/ACS and outcome. METHODS: Patients (n = 74) with AP recruited in this study were divided into two groups according to intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) determined by indirect measurement using the transvesical route via Foley bladder catheter during the first week after admission. Patients (n = 44) with IAP ≥ 12 mmHg were assigned in IAH group, and the remaining patients (n = 30) with IAP < 12 mmHg in normal IAP group. For analysis of the influence of IAH/ACS on organ function and outcome, the physiological parameters and the occurrence of organ dysfunction during intensive care unit (ICU) stay were recorded, as were the incidences of pancreatic infection and in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: IAH within the first week after admission was found in 44 patients (59.46%). Although the APACHE Ⅱ scores on admission and the Ranson scores within 48 h after hospitalization were elevated in IAH patients in early stage, they did not show the statistically significant differences from patients with normal IAP within a week after admission (16.18 ± 3.90 vs 15.70 ± 4.25, P = 0.616; 3.70 ± 0.93 vs 3.47 ± 0.94, P = 0.285, respectively). ACS in early AP was recorded in 20 patients (27.03%). During any 24-h period ofthe first week after admission, the recorded mean IAP correlated significantly with the Marshall score calculated at the same time interval in IAH group (r = 0.635, P < 0.001). Although ACS patients had obvious amelioration in physiological variables within 24 h after decompression, the incidences of pancreatitic infection, septic shock, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) and death in the patients with ACS were significantly higher than that in other patients without ACS (pancreatitic infection: 60.0% vs 7.4%, P < 0.001; septic shock: 70.0% vs 11.1%, P < 0.001; MODS: 90.0% vs 31.5%, P < 0.001; mortality: 75.0% vs 3.7%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: IAH/ACS is a frequent finding in patients admitted to the ICU because of AP. Patients with IAP at approximately 10-12 mmHg and early signs of changes in physiologic variables should be seriously considered for urgent decompression to improve survival.

Early recognition of abdominal compartment syndrome in patients with acute pancreatitis

AIM： To assess the value of widely used clinical scores in the early identification of acute pancreatitis （AP） patients who are likely to suffer from intra-abdominal hypertension （IAH） and abdominal compartment syndrome （ACS）.METHODS： Patients （η = 44） with AP recruited in this study were divided into two groups （ACS and non-ACS） according to intra-abdominal pressure （IAP） determined by indirect measurement using the transvesical route via Foley bladder catheter. On admission and at regular intervals, the severity of the AP and presence of organ dysfunction were assessed utilizing different multifactorial prognostic systems： Glasgow-Imrie score, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation Ⅱ （APACHE-Ⅱ） score, and Multiorgan Dysfunction Score （MODS）. The diagnostic performance of scores predicting ACS development, cut-off values and specificity and sensitivity were established using receiver operating characteristic （ROC） curve analysis.RESULTS： The incidence of ACS in our study population was 19.35%. IAP at admission in the ACS group was 22.0 （18.5-25.0） mmHg and 9.25 （3.0-12.4） mmHg in the non-ACS group （P 〈 0.01）. Univariate statistical analysis revealed that patients in the ACS group had significantly higher multifactorial clinical scores （APACHE Ⅱ, Glasgow-Imrie and MODS） on admission and higher maximal scores during hospitalization （P 〈 0.01）. ROC curve analysis revealed that APACHE Ⅱ, Glasgow-Imrie, and MODS are valuable tools for early prediction of ACS with high sensitivity and specificity, and that cut-off values are similar to those used for stratification of patients with severe acute pancreatitis （SAP）.CONCLUSION： IAH and ACS are rare findings in patients with mild AR Based on the results of our study we recommend measuring the IAP in cases when patients present with SAP （APACHE Ⅱ 〉 7; MODS 〉 2 or Glasgow-Imrie score 〉 3）.

Treatment of abdominal compartment syndrome in severe acute pancreatitis patients with traditional Chinese medicine

AIM: To investigate the therapeutic effect of traditional Chinese traditional medicines Da Cheng Qi Decoction (Timely-Purging and Yin-Preserving Decoction) and Glauber's salt combined with conservative measures on abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) in severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) patients. METHODS: Eighty consecutive SAP patients, admitted for routine non-operative conservative treatment, were randomly divided into study group and control group (40 patients in each group). Patients in the study group received Da Cheng Qi Decoction enema for 2 h and external use of Glauber's salt, once a day for 7 d. Patients in the control group received normal saline (NS) enema. Routine non-operative conservative treatments included non-per os nutrition (NPON), gastrointestinal decompression, life support, total parenteral nutrition (TPN), continuous peripancreatic vascular pharmaceutical infusion and drug therapy. Intra-cystic pressure (ICP) of the two groups was measured during treatment. The effectiveness and outcomes of treatment were observed and APACHE Ⅱ scores were applied in analysis. RESULTS: On days 4 and 5 of treatment, the ICP was lower in the study group than in the control group(P < 0.05). On days 3-5 of treatment, acute physiology and chronic health evaluation Ⅱ (APACHE Ⅱ) scores for the study and control groups were significantly different (P < 0.05). Both the effectiveness and outcome of the treatment with Da Cheng Qi Decoction on abdominalgia, burbulence relief time, ascites quantity, cyst formation rate and hospitalization time were quite different between the two groups (P < 0.05). The mortality rate for the two groups had no significant difference. CONCLUSION: Da Cheng Qi Decoction enema and external use of Glauber's salt combined with routine non-operative conservative treatment can decrease the intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) of SAP patients and have preventive and therapeutic effects on abdominal compartment syndrome of SAP.

Abdominal compartment syndrome:Often overlooked conditions in medical intensive care units

Intra-abdominal hypertension(IAH)and abdominal compartment syndrome are well recognized entities among surgical patients.Nevertheless,a number of prospective and retrospective observational studies have shown that IAH is prevalent in about half of the critically ill patients in the medical intensive care units(ICU)and has been widely recognized as an independent risk factor for mortality.It is alarming to note that many members of the critical care team in medical ICU are not aware of the consequences of untreated IAH and the delay in making the diagnosis leads to increased morbidity and mortality.Frequently it is underdiagnosed and undertreated in this patient population.Elevated intraabdominal pressure decreases the blood flow to the kidneys and other abdominal viscera and also results in reduced cardiac output and difficulties in ventilating the patient because of increased intrathoracic pressure.When intraabdominal hypertension is not promptly recognized and treated,it leads to abdominal compartment syndrome,multiorgan dysfunction syndrome and death.Large volume fluid resuscitation is very common in medical ICU patients presenting with sepsis,shock and other inflammatory conditions like pancreatitis and it is one of the major risk factors for the development of intra-abdominal hypertension.This article presents an overview of the epidemiology,definitions,risk factors,pathophysiology and management of IAH and abdominal compartment syndrome in critically ill medical ICU patients.